Microstructural Analysis of Bioceramic Materials

Abstract

The compatibility of various materials for implants and other biomédical applications is often the subject of microstructural analysis. The ‘fingerprint’ of metallurgy is said to be the material microstructure. In biomedical studies the microstructure is important at the pre-implant stage and for clinical trial analysis. Today’s technology allows materials for surgical implants to be investigated as thin sections for radiography and transmitted light microscopy or by the top surface preparation technique for reflected light analysis. The object of this paper is to introduce this technology with particular reference to the top surface preparation for microstructural analysis of Hydroxyapatite and different species of coral. Unlike many traditional materials, these materials respond adversely to an incorrect surface preparation technique. The need therefore to define a logical and systematic approach to surface preparation, to ensure it is repeatable, and is also a faithful representation that can if necessary be audited to some form of standard will not be overlooked.